Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker has dismissed claims by Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi that direct mayoral elections in Kuala Lumpur would be influenced by the city’s criminal underworld.
Rejection of underworld influence speculation
In a statement, Ti said such speculation should not dominate public discussion on the proposal.
He stressed that mature societies must study reforms carefully, debate them rationally, and put in place necessary protective mechanisms.
“Kuala Lumpur is not a fictional city plagued by lawlessness, nor is Malaysia a society incapable of maintaining order and governance,” said the former deputy unity minister.
“To suggest that electing a mayor would automatically invite chaos or criminal domination underestimates both our institutions and the maturity of Malaysian society.”
Ti acknowledged that some politicians’ concerns may come from genuine worries, but argued that these should not become reasons to block democratic progress.
Call for safeguards over retreat from reform
He said any challenges in implementing mayoral elections should be tackled through strong institutional safeguards, transparent legal frameworks, and proactive regulatory steps.
Retreating from reform simply out of fear is not the way forward, he added.
Puad had expressed security concerns yesterday if Kuala Lumpur held mayoral elections.
He urged Umno to oppose the idea, just as it had blocked the Urban Renewal Bill and efforts to restore local council elections.
Citing the presence of entertainment venues, massage parlours, and other “morally questionable” activities in the capital, Puad questioned whether criminals could gain undue influence.
“Not only will this election be influenced by political parties and racial sentiments, but it also holds the potential to be manipulated by cartels and gangs,” he said.
“Imagine if gangs use their funds and networks to back certain candidates. The mayor’s office would no longer be independent.”
Puad also called on his party to establish a special secretariat to prepare a counter-response to the mayoral election proposal.
Ongoing study and response to critics
Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed yesterday that her office is conducting a feasibility study on holding a mayoral election for Kuala Lumpur.
She pointed out that the current administrative structure is already overly complicated, with the capital overseen by a mayor, MPs, and advisers from Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
In comments that appeared directed at critics, Yeoh later questioned why some quarters “feared” the research process, stressing that accurate data and reliable facts are essential for sound decisions.
About The Author
